Techniques to award bonuses to users based on a machine pay from another user

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, it is determined when a pre-determined outcome occurs. The outcome may provide a predetermined machine pay that is awarded to a first user playing a game. One or more users are then determined based on a criteria for awarding a bonus. The one or more users include at least one user different from the first user. A bonus amount is then determined for each of the one or more users. For example, the bonus amount may be a certain percentage of the machine pay that was awarded. The bonus amount is then awarded to each of the one or more users. In one embodiment, the bonus amount awarded is not part of the pre-determined amount that was awarded to the first user.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to gaming and more specifically to a bonus system based on a machine pay of a pre-determined amount.

Bonus schemes exist where a player playing a game may be given an opportunity to win a bonus award. For example, a game may include a single bonus that is triggered when the player achieves certain criteria, such as a certain predetermined outcome. A bonus round then begins and the player may win a bonus for the game. This bonus is only won by the player currently playing the game and is based on that player playing that game. Having a single bonus for a single person may provide interest for that single person but it is limited to that person.

Another bonus scheme may be where a separate prize pool is established for a bonus. The bonus prize pool is a progressive prize pool and takes time to grow. When the bonus prize pool reaches a certain threshold, players may be selected to win an award from the prize pool. For example, when the prize pool reaches a certain amount, such as $100,000, a winner may be selected to win the $100,000. In this case, usually only one player or a small number of players share in the award. This award is also infrequent in that it takes a long time for the prize pool to be awarded because the prize pool has to reach the threshold. Thus, interest in the bonus may be low in the beginning.

SUMMARY

Particular embodiments generally relate to a bonus system for awarding bonuses to users based on machine pays during game play. In one embodiment, it is determined when a pre-determined outcome occurs. The outcome may provide a predetermined machine pay that is awarded to a first user playing a game. For example, a first user may win a jackpot or any other award when a royal flush is achieved while playing a game. One or more users are then determined based on a criteria for awarding a bonus. The one or more users include at least one user different from the first user. For example, a group of users that were not playing the game in which the award was won are determined. A bonus amount is then determined for each of the one or more users. For example, the bonus amount may be a certain percentage of the machine pay that was awarded. The bonus amount is then awarded to each of the one or more users. In one embodiment, the bonus amount awarded is not part of the pre-determined amount that was awarded to the first user. For example, if a jackpot was $10,000, then a bonus award of 2% of the jackpot, or $200, may be awarded to all users playing a machine-operated game in the casino at that time. Thus, the first user would win $10,000 and all the other users would win a bonus of $200.

In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises: determining that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; determining one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user; determining a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; awarding the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.

In another embodiment, a gaming device is provided that comprises: an outcome determiner configured to determine that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; a user determiner configured to determine one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user; a bonus amount determiner configured to determine a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; a bonus awarder configured to award the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.

In yet another embodiment, a system is provided that comprises: a plurality of gaming devices; and a server in communication with the plurality of gaming devices, the server comprising a bonus awarder comprising: an outcome determiner configured to determine that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game on at least one of the plurality of gaming devices, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; a user determiner configured to determine one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user and using one or more gaming devices in the plurality of gaming devices; a bonus amount determiner configured to determine a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; and a bonus awarder configured to award the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of particular embodiments disclosed herein may be realized by reference of the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified system for awarding bonuses according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart of a method for determining and awarding a bonus according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart of an example for determining a bonus amount according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a more detailed embodiment of a bonus awarder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts an example of a gaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified system 100 for awarding bonuses according to one embodiment. As shown, system 100 includes a server 102 and a plurality of gaming devices 104. Server 102 also includes a bonus awarder 106 configured to determine and award bonuses.

Gaming devices 104 may be any devices capable of playing a game. The game may be a game of chance, such as a casino game, lottery, etc. For example, gaming devices 104 may include slot machines, video poker machines, keno games, machines that play a plurality of video games, etc. These games may be operated in an establishment, such as a casino, supermarket, gas station, etc. Gaming devices 104 may be found in one establishment, such as one physical casino or may be found in multiple establishments, such as multiple casinos.

In another embodiment, gaming devices 104 may be computing devices that are not playing a game. In this case, gaming devices 104 may include cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, etc. Further, gaming devices 104 may include devices that are associated with other games, such as table games. For example, gaming device 104 may be a player tracking system that is situated at a table game, such as a blackjack or craps game.

Server 102 is any computing device configured to communicate with gaming devices 104. Server 102 may be networked through a network 108 such that communication with gaming device 104 is possible.

Gaming devices 104 may also include player tracking systems for player reward programs. Player reward programs provide rewards to players for an establishment. Players earn points that can be used to redeem rewards. The player tracking system allows the establishment to keep track of the game play of a player. In this case, players may provide their player cards to gaming devices 104. For example, the cards may be inserted into the player tracking systems, swiped, etc. When this occurs, signals may be sent to server 102 to indicate that a player card is currently being played in a gaming device 104. Thus, server 102 can keep track of which player cards are being used and which games are being played by the player cards.

Bonus awarder 106 is configured to determine a bonus amount and to award it to one or more users. In one embodiment, bonus awarder 106 may be included in a server. In other embodiments, bonus awarder 106 may be included in gaming devices 104. In this case, gaming device 104 may determine the bonus amount and then communicate the bonus amount to other gaming devices 104.

In one example, when a first user that is playing a game on gaming device 104 achieves an outcome, bonus awarder 106 determines one or more other users that are eligible to win a bonus award. The outcome may be a predetermined outcome in a game being played, such as a royal flush. Also, the outcome may be a predetermined machine pay of a certain amount. Bonus awarder 106 then determines a bonus amount for each of the one or more users and awards it.

Bonus awarder 106 may award the bonus through network 108. For example, a certain group of users playing on gaming devices 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 may be awarded a bonus. In this case, bonus awarder 106 may send signals to gaming devices 104-2-104-4 indicating that the users playing on these gaming devices 104 have been awarded a bonus. In one example, a group of players that are playing games using their player tracking cards are awarded bonuses.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified flowchart 200 of a method for determining and awarding a bonus according to one embodiment. Step 202 determines that an outcome occurred. For example, the outcome may be any outcome achievable in a game or a machine pay of any payout that is awarded for a game. In one example, the machine pay may be for certain outcome for a game. For example, the award may be a royal flush in a video poker machine, three instances of an item on a reel in a slot machine game, or any other outcome.

Also, the machine pay may be a machine pay that is greater than a certain amount. For example, any machine pays over $10,000 may trigger a bonus. Other methods of triggering the bonus may also be appreciated. For example, certain events, results, etc. may trigger a bonus. In one example, the passing of a time period may trigger a bonus, such as bonuses are determined every hour.

The triggering outcome is determined from a first user playing a game on gaming device 104. A machine pay is then awarded during regular game play of a game. For example, while a user is playing a video poker game, the user may attain a royal flush and be paid the proper amount for the outcome.

Step 204 determines one or more users based on certain criteria to award a bonus. The one or more users may include at least one user that is different from the first user that attained the machine pay. For example, a group of users may be selected based on certain criteria, which may be different criteria. For example, the criteria may be users that are currently playing certain games (or using gaming devices) in an establishment with a player card. In one example, all users playing video poker and/or slot games with a player card registered with gaming device 104 may be determined. Other criteria may also be used, such as users currently playing in establishments other than the establishment that the machine pay occurred, users not currently playing a game but registered with a player card, randomly selected players, etc. For example, users that are part of the player rewards program may be selected for the bonus irrespective of if they are currently playing a game.

Step 206 determines a bonus amount for each of the one or more users. For example, the bonus may be based on the amount of the machine pay. In one example, if the machine pay was for $10,000, then one or more users may be awarded 2% of that value. Thus, one or more users are awarded $200. Also, different amounts may be awarded to different users. For example, the level that a player has attained in an establishment's reward program may affect the bonus amount determined. For example, users that are deemed more valuable or have a higher status, such as gold or platinum status, may earn a higher bonus (e.g., a higher percentage of the machine pay amount).

In one embodiment, the bonus determined for each of the one or more users does not deduct from the machine pay amount that was determined in step 202. For example, the $200 awarded to each of the one or more users is separate from the machine pay amount. Thus, the first user may be awarded $10,000 (and also may be awarded the bonus amount) and then the one or more users are awarded $200.

In funding the bonus amounts, different methods may be used. For example, money not from a prize pool for the machine pay may be used to fund the bonus amounts. In one example, bonus amounts may be funded using marketing dollars. Thus, a marketing budget may be allotted to fund a bonus prize pool. Other methods of funding the prize pool will also be appreciated, such as funding it through coin-in, etc.

The bonus prize pool may be progressive or fixed. Also, the bonus amount may be dependent on the size of the bonus prize pool. For example, the bonus amounts may be larger when the prize pool is larger and smaller when the prize pool is depleted. The bonus prize pool may also be funded by game play or other sources. However, the bonus prize pool does not cut into the machine pay that is being awarded to the first user.

Step 208 then awards the bonus amount to each of the one or more users. For example, if one or more users are playing on gaming devices 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4, then bonus awarder 106 may communicate with them to indicate that a bonus has been won. In one embodiment, the balance (number of credits) for a user on gaming devices 104-2-104-4 may reflect the bonus amount. For example, the balance may be increased by $200. As discussed above, a message may also be displayed for a user such that the user knows a bonus amount has been won. The message may include a text message indicating the amount of the bonus won. Also, other sounds and effects may be used. For example, gaming device 104 may flash lights to show that a bonus has been one. Further, an announcement in the establishment may be provided to indicate that a bonus has been triggered and won by a certain number of users.

One specific example will now be described. The bonuses may be awarded in a casino. When an outcome that pays a machine pay of a certain amount, such as a jackpot, is received by a user playing a game, then one or more users are determined to receive the bonus amount. For example, every user (or a group of selected users) that is in the casino and currently playing a game using a player card may be awarded a cash bonus. This cash bonus may be a percentage of the machine pay that is determined. Because the outcome may occur frequently, bonus awards are awarded more frequently. For example, users may hit a royal flush or the top award on a slot machine maybe 20 times per day. This awards bonus amounts to users playing in the casino that day 20 times. This is different from having a progressive award that has to reach a certain amount, such as $100,000, before an award is awarded. To reach the $100,000 level, it may take multiple months. Thus, hardly any bonuses may be awarded throughout the year and thus interest in the bonus may be low only until the progressive is close to the 100,000 threshold. However, embodiments award bonuses more frequently and thus encourage players to play more frequently.

The players know that at any time a user may achieve the outcome and thus may want to always be playing a game. This is especially true if the only users that are awarded are the ones using a player card in gaming devices 104.

As discussed above, different methods may be used to determine the bonus amount. FIG. 3 depicts a simplified flowchart 300 of an example for determining a bonus amount according to one embodiment.

Step 302 determines an amount of the machine pay awarded to the first user during game play for a game. For example, gaming device 104-1 may send a signal to bonus awarder 106 of server 102 indicating that machine pay of a certain amount occurred. In one example, as discussed above, the machine pay may be $10,000. Also, an outcome may be sent to bonus awarder 106 and it may determine the machine pay amount based on the outcome.

Step 304 determines bonus information. For example, the bonus information is used to determine the amount that should be awarded. In one example, bonus information may include the number of users currently playing games using a player's card. Also, the bonus information may include the amount currently in the prize pool (which could be used to determine how much should be awarded). Other information may also be appreciated.

Step 306 determines an amount to be awarded as the bonus amount based on the bonus information. For example, a percentage of the amount of the machine pay may be determined. The percentage may then be awarded to a group of players (e.g., video poker and slot machine players) currently playing games using a player's card.

The percentage may be adjusted based on the bonus information determined in step 304. For example, based on the number of users playing, the percentage may be adjusted. In one example, if the number of users playing is considered large, the percentage may be adjusted to be lower than if a smaller number of users are currently playing. Further, if the amount in the prize pool is low, then a lower percentage may be used. Also, instead of a percentage, a fixed amount, such as $1000, may be awarded to all users currently playing.

FIG. 4 depicts a more detailed embodiment of bonus awarder 106 according to one embodiment. As shown, bonus awarder 106 includes a machine pay determiner 402, a user determiner 404, a player information determiner 406, player information storage 410, a bonus amount determiner 412, and a bonus awarder 414.

Outcome determiner 402 determines when an outcome occurs, such as a machine pay of a pre-determined amount occurs. For example, gaming device 104-1 may send a signal that the outcome has occurred. Also, machine pay determiner 402 may monitor and determine when a certain outcome occurs.

When the machine pay of the pre-determined amount occurs, user determiner 404 is configured to determine the one or more users to win the bonus award. In one example, player information determiner 406 determines which players are currently playing in an establishment. Also, players playing in different establishments, such as another casino, may also be determined. In one example, gaming devices 104 may send signals to player information determiner 406 indicating that a player card has been inserted in gaming device 104 and a game is being played. This player information is stored in player information storage 410.

User determiner 404 then determines which users are currently playing games using a player card in one example. In other examples, user determiner 404 may determine the users based on different criteria. For example, user determiner 404 may determine a group of users based on their level in a player reward program.

Once the users are determined, bonus amount determiner 412 determines the bonus amount. The bonus amount may be determined as discussed above.

Bonus awarder 414 then awards the bonus. For example, signals may be sent to gaming devices 104 indicating that a bonus has been won. Also, the bonus amount may be awarded to users that are not currently playing gaming devices 104. In this case, a gaming device 104 does not have to be contacted. Rather, a message may be sent to a user through other methods, such as by e-mail, standard mail, a telephone call, etc.

FIG. 5 depicts an example of a gaming device 104 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, gaming device 104 includes a display 502, a player tracking system 504, an input device 506, a coin/bill acceptor 508, and a game trigger 510. Gaming device 104 may be a video poker or slot machine that includes controls, displays, and features of a conventional video poker or slot machine.

Bill/coin acceptor 508 is configured to receive money, coins, credits, or tokens. Other devices for accepting payment through credit cards or debit cards may also be appreciated.

Display 502 displays a game that is being played. Display 502 may be electronic or non-electronic. For example, display 502 may display a video poker game. Also, display 502 may be spinning reels of a slot machine game.

A user may use input 506 to initiate a game. For example, a user may bet using input 506 by pressing a bet button. For example, one or more credits may be bet to initiate game play. Game play may be initiated using input 506 or also game trigger 510. For example, a user may pull game trigger 510 to initiate a slot machine game.

Player tracking system 504 allows a user to swipe or insert a player card. Once the player card is recognized by player tracking system 504, the game play of the user may be tracked. For example, the number of games, wins, and time played is tracked. Gaming device 104 may send signals to server 102 indicating that a user with a player card is currently playing gaming device 104.

When a bonus is won, display 502 may display the bonus amount won. Further, a display on player tracking system 504 may also display the bonus amount won.

Gaming device 104 may be networked with other gaming devices 104. Also, gaming device 104 may be networked with server 102.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide many advantages. One advantage is the bonus encourages game play by other users. Users may always want to be playing a game if there is a chance to receive a bonus. This is especially true if the bonus may be awarded multiple times during the day.

Further, bonuses do not rely on a progressive amount to hit a certain level. Thus, bonuses may be awarded more frequently. The pre-determined machine pay that triggers the bonus is not split between users is different from the bonus amount awarded. That is, the bonus amount is awarded separately from the pre-determined machine pay.

Although the description has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, bonuses may be awarded based on non-casino game outcomes.

Any suitable programming language can be used to implement the routines of particular embodiments including C, C++, Java, assembly language, etc. Different programming techniques can be employed such as procedural or object oriented. The routines can execute on a single processing device or multiple processors. Although the steps, operations, or computations may be presented in a specific order, this order may be changed in different particular embodiments. In some particular embodiments, multiple steps shown as sequential in this specification can be performed at the same time. The sequence of operations described herein can be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by another process, such as an operating system, kernel, etc. The routines can operate in an operating system environment or as stand-alone routines occupying all, or a substantial part, of the system processing. Functions can be performed in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Unless otherwise stated, functions may also be performed manually, in whole or in part.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of particular embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that a particular embodiment can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of particular embodiments.

A “computer-readable medium” for purposes of particular embodiments may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, system, or device. The computer readable medium can be, by way of example only but not by limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, system, device, propagation medium, or computer memory.

Particular embodiments can be implemented in the form of control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic, when executed by one or more processors, may be operable to perform that what is described in particular embodiments.

A “processor” or “process” includes any human, hardware and/or software system, mechanism or component that processes data, signals, or other information. A processor can include a system with a general-purpose central processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuitry for achieving functionality, or other systems. Processing need not be limited to a geographic location, or have temporal limitations. For example, a processor can perform its functions in “real time,” “offline,” in a “batch mode,” etc. Portions of processing can be performed at different times and at different locations, by different (or the same) processing systems.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a specific embodiment”, or “particular embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and not necessarily in all particular embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in a particular embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other particular embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope.

Particular embodiments may be implemented by using a programmed general purpose digital computer, by using application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum or nanoengineered systems, components and mechanisms may be used. In general, the functions of particular embodiments can be achieved by any means as is known in the art. Distributed, networked systems, components, and/or circuits can be used. Communication, or transfer, of data may be wired, wireless, or by any other means.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. It is also within the spirit and scope to implement a program or code that can be stored in a machine-readable medium to permit a computer to perform any of the methods described above.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated particular embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific particular embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated particular embodiments and are to be included within the spirit and scope.

Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of particular embodiments will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all particular embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method comprising: determining that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; determining one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user; determining a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; and awarding the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome is associated with a machine pay of a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount triggering the bonus determination.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the one or more users comprises determining one or more users currently playing one or more games using a player's card.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more users are playing the one or more games in an establishment.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more users are substantially concurrently playing a game when the outcome occurred.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the bonus amount comprises determining a percentage of the machine pay being awarded for the bonus amount.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome comprises a highest possible award of the game of chance.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the bonus amount awarded to each of the one or more users is funded using a pool not including a pool for the game being played by the first user or games being played by the one or more users.
 9. A gaming device comprising: an outcome determiner configured to determine that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; a user determiner configured to determine one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user; a bonus amount determiner configured to determine a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; and a bonus awarder configured to award the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.
 10. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the outcome is associated with a machine pay of a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount triggering the bonus determination.
 11. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein user determiner is further configured to determine one or more users currently playing one or more games using a player's card.
 12. The gaming device of claim 11, wherein the one or more users are playing the one or more games in an establishment.
 13. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the one or more users are substantially concurrently playing a game when the outcome occurred.
 14. The gaming device of claim 9, the bonus determiner is further configured to determine a percentage of the machine pay being awarded for the bonus amount.
 15. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the outcome comprises a highest possible award of the game of chance.
 16. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein the bonus amount awarded to each of the one or more users is funded using a pool not including a pool for the game being played by the first user or games being played by the one or more users.
 17. A system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices; and a server in communication with the plurality of gaming devices, the server comprising a bonus awarder comprising: an outcome determiner configured to determine that a predetermined outcome occurred for game play of a game of chance for a first user playing a machine operated game on at least one of the plurality of gaming devices, the outcome triggering a bonus determination; a user determiner configured to determine one or more users based on one or more criteria for awarding the bonus, the one or more users including at least one user different from the first user and using one or more gaming devices in the plurality of gaming devices; a bonus amount determiner configured to determine a bonus amount for each of the one or more users; and a bonus awarder configured to award the bonus amount determined for each of the one or more users, the bonus amount awarded separately from the predetermined amount.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the bonus awarder is configured to communicate with the one or more gaming devices to award the bonus amount for each of the one or more users. 